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After countless meetings and years of collaboration, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) plans to take action against the growing population of double-crested cormorants that call East Sand Island on the lower Columbia River their home. Known as the largest nesting colony of double-crested cormorants and Caspian terns in the world, the estimated population of cormorants was 13,600 breeding pairs in 2010.
The USACE plans on removing 20 percent of the breeding population in an effort to curb the growing loss of endangered baby salmon and steelhead that migrate through the area in the spring and summer months. Although this effort will help listed species to return as adults in greater numbers, the population of cormorants won't be compromised under this management activity, and great rates of predation will still go on.
The Association of Northwest Steelheaders is grateful to have active members such as Norm Ritchie, Bob Oleson, and Joe Rohleder (a Life Member who lobbies for several organizations involved in sport fishing issues)participate in this conversation. Oregon legislative leaders such as Wayne Krieger of Gold Beach helped move this issue to the national level where this proactive management strategy was adopted. Sport anglers owe these dedicated individuals a debt of gratitude for collaborating with state and federal agencies to ensure the future of our salmon and steelhead runs.
The USACE will hold two important public meetings on this proposed management action. It's imperative that stakeholders such as sport anglers participate in this process. You can also submit written testimony.
PUBLIC MEETINGS:
July 10,2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Matt Dishman Community Center, 77 N.E. Knott St., Portland
July 24,3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Best Western Lincoln Inn, 555 Hamburg Ave., Astoria.
More info on the program:
http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/Missions/Currentprojects/CormorantEIS.aspx
http://www.birdresearchnw.org/project-info/study-areas/columbia-basin-western-washington/east-sand-island/
Read The Oregonian article
If you have any questions, feel free to call Association of Northwest Steelheaders Executive Director Bob Rees, (503) 653-4176.
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